Score recording attachment for game machines



Dec. 3, 1963 R. L. GRAVES 3,112,979

SCORE RECORDING ATTACHMENT FOR GAME MACHINES Filed May 1. 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.2

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SCORE RECORDING ATTACHMENT FOR GAME MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 1, 1961 Fig.3

62 Fig.4

Richard L. Graves IN VEN TOR.

BY W

Dec. 3, 1963 R. L. GRAVES Y 3,112,979

SCORE RECORDING ATTACHMENT FOR GAME MACHINES Filed May 1, 1961 5 Sheets$heet 3 .7 Fig.6 3

' Richard L. Graves INVENTOR United States Patent Richard L. Graves, Carson City, Nev. Nugget Casino, Sparks, Nev.) Filed May 1, 1961, Ser. No. 106,814 10 Claims. (Cl. 346-33) This invention relates to machines which provide games of chance and present a challenge to the players providing amusement, diversion and recreation. More particularly, the present invention involves an attachment to such game machines whereby successful playing may be recorded and counted in a foolproof manner so as to maintain accurate data with respect to machine operation.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a convenient and simply operated attachment for amusement game machines or the like, whereby data with respect to such game machines may be maintained with accuracy thereby creating further interest and recreational diversion in connection with the playing of the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a score recording attachment for game machines which is operative only upon successful scoring by a player to record; the score, machine identification and the number of successful scores of the machine, by simply inserting a score card into the attachment after a successful game has been played.

The attachment of the present invention may therefore be arranged at the base of a game machine and have a front slot disposed therewithin for reception of a score card. When a winning game has been played, a signal switch indicative of such event and its classification or score value may be closed to thereby close a circuit within the attachment in order to condition printing mechanism provided for the purpose of storing the information as hereinbefore indicated. When the score card is then inserted into the slot after the event indicating circuit has been conditioned by a winning game on the game machine, the information in connection with the game may be recorded on the score card for subsequent use. Insertion of the score card accordingly closes a switch which finally energizes the printing mechanism in order to stamp the information onto the score card. Upon removal of the score card, the attachment is then conditioned once again for reception of a new winning score signal from the game machine.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one typical form of game machine with which the attachment of the present invention is associated.

FIGURE 2 is an illustration of the score card and typical data recorded thereon which has been printed by the score recording attachment of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view through the attachment taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 3-3 in FiGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 4-4 in FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 5-5 in FIG- URE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 6-6 in FIG- URE 4.

3,112,979 Patented Dec. 3, 1&63

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FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line '77 in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 8 is an electrical circuit diagram of the score recording attachment.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical game machine generally referred to by reference numeral 10 to which the attachment of the present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 12, is applied. The machine 16 illustrated in FIG- URE 1 is of the type which involves three reels with symbols thereon, matching symbols when aligned after the reels have stopped rotation constituting a winning game. A signal of the winning game is therefore supplied to the control circuit of the attachment 12 in any suitable manner. For example, when the reels of the machine 1b are aligned with identical symbols being exposed through the window 14 of the machine 10, a finger, not shown, may extend through holes then aligned in the reels so as to close a switch for conditioning the circuitry within the attachment device 12. Depending upon the symbols that are aligned and the score assigned thereto, different signal switches will accordingly be closed in order to have recorded through the attachment 12, the value of the winning score as will be further explained hereafter. In FIGURE 2, a typical score card or recording medium 16 is illustrated with the data to be recorded printed thereon. It will therefore be observed, that the upper portion of the card has printed thereon a circular figure, the upper portion of which contains the number 27% which represents the identification number or symbol for the machine it with which the attachment 12 is associated. The numeral it) located within the lower half of the circle represents the score value attained by a winning game on the machine. The particular scoring arrangement of the attachment 12 as hereafter described in the specific embodiment of the invention involves scores of three different values, the other two score values being printed on either side of the score value 10 as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Accordingly, should a winning game occur having a score value of the circular figure would be printed to the right of that illustrated in PiGURE 2 and bear the score value of 100 within the lower half of the circle with the same machine identification number 2'79 within the upper half of the circle. Similarly, should a score of four be attained, the circle would appear to the left of the centrally disposed circle as illustrated in FIGURE 2 on the card 16. It will be further observed, that the number 112 is printed on the card 16 approximately midway between the upper and lower ends and displaced toward the left, which number constitutes a winning score count that is being maintained in connection with the machine It? identified by number 279. The printing of the card 16 is accomplished by insertion of the card within the slot 18 disposed on the front lower surface of the attachment 12. It will be appreciated however, that the attachment device 12 will be operative to print upon a card 16 inserted therewithin only following a winning game played on the machine '16.

In order to best explain the operation and functioning of the device 12, attention is invited toward FIGURE 8 wherein all of the operating components of the device 12 are diagrammatically illustrated in operative relation to each other. It will be observed therefore that the device 12 includes a terminal post assembly 20 which is connected to a source of power by conductors 22 and 24 which extend into the machine 10. The conductors 22 and 24 are accordingly connected to posts 26 and 28- respectively on the terminal assembly 2%. Connected to the posts 30, 32 and 34 are conductors 36, 68 and 40 which are connected to suitable score value, switch devices 42, 44

and 46 by means of which different value winning games are operative upon closing of one of the switches 42, 44 and 46 to store a single scoring signal and may also provide a winning indicating light signal through the lamp devices 4-8, 50 and -2 which are also connected to the conductor 2 4- by means of which a circuit is closed through one lamp device when the score value switch associated therewith is closed.

Located within the attachment device itself, are three relay devices consisting of a circuit conditioning relay device 54, a recording control relay device 56 and a restoring control relay device 58. Each of the relay devices actuate a bank of switches of a switch assembly with which it is associated. The circuit conditioning switch assembly 60 is therefore actuated by the relay device 54 when energized, the switch assembly 60 as illustrated in FIGURE 8 being in its position when the relay 54 is deenergized. The signal storing switch assembly 62 is therefore also shown in FIGURE 8 in its position when the relay device 58 with which it is associated is deenergized. A signal discharging switch assembly 64 is also actuated by the relay device 56. As a result of the relay devices and their associated switch assemblies, operation of three solenoid actuated score printing stamp devices 66, 68 and 70 are controlled. The stamp devices 66, 68 and 70 are spaced with respect to each other for printing on the score card 16 at locations as hereinbefore indicated, the stamp device 68 for example being arranged to print the score indicia as illustrated in FIGURE 2. A counting stamp device 72 is also provided and is simultaneously energized with the energization of any one of the score stamping devices, so as to provide the number count. Final actuation of the stamping device by insertion of the card 16 within the device 12 is accomplished by closing of the stamp switch device 74 when engaged by the edge of a card 16. Restoration of the circuit to its score signal receiving condition after printing has occurred, is accomplished by closing of the limit switch 76 which is actuated to its closed position by the counting stamp device 72.

The physical arrangement of the components of the circuit as described with respect to FIGURE 8 is more clearly seen in FIGURES 3 through 7. The device 12 therefore includes a casing generally referred to by reference numeral 78 above which the machine is supported. A face plate 80 is attached to the front Wall of the casing 78 and defines at the lower edge thereof the slot 18 for receiving the card 16 as more clearly seen in FIGURE 5. A printing table 82 is therefore provided so as to provide a surface for the score card 16 against which the stamp devices may impress printed matter. Located just rearwardly of the front wall of the casing is the counter stamp assembly 72 which is of conventional design and is arranged to be slidably actuated in a vertical direction and is disposed above a backing plate member 84. Disposed alongside of the counter stamp 72 is the counter actuating solenoid device 86 which is connected by linkage 88 to the counter stamp device 72 as more clearly seen in FIGURE 7. Energization of the solenoid device 86 will accordingly impart vertical movement to the stamp device 72 in a downward direction so as to print upon a card 16 disposed therebelow. The stamp device 72 is of the type which includes a printing number wheel rotated one step each time the stamp device undergoes a stamping operation so as to maintain a count. It will also be observed from FIGURE 7, that each time the linkage 88 moves the stamp device 72 downwardly the switch actuator member 90 mounted thereon is operative to close a microswitch type of limit switch device 76 as hereinbefore indicated.

Disposed rearwardly of the counting stamp device 72 and its solenoid actuator device 86, are the three solenoid actuated score stamping devices 66, 68 and 70.

The solenoid stamping devices are also of conventional design and are maintained in an upward position as illustrated in FIGURES 3, 5 and 6 by a spring and are actuated in a downward direction to print on the score card 16 when the solenoid thereof is energized. The three solenoid actuated devices are accordingly mounted on a common mounting plate member 92. Mounted rearwardly of the mounting plate member 92 by a second mounting plate member 94 are the relay devices 58, 54 and 56 which are respectively associated with switch assemblies 62, 60 and 64 as more clearly seen in FIG- URE 4. Finally, the terminal post assembly 20 is mounted rearwardly of the relay devices as well as a fuse device 96. Also, as more clearly seen in FIG- URE 5, the stamp switch device 74 is mounted just rearwardly of the mounting plate 92 by means of the block 98. A downwardly projecting arm from the switch device 74 is received within a rear slot 102 in the table member 82 and may be contacted by the edge of the score card 16 to close the switch device 74 in order to finally energize the score stamping solenoid devices 66, 68 and 70 and also the counting stamp device solenoid 86. Actuation of the counting stamp device 72 will then through the actuator member 90 close the limit switch 76 in order to restore the device to its original condition.

Referring once again to FIGURE 8, operation of the device 12 may be more fully explained. The wiring illustrated in FIGURE 8 constitutes the electrical relationship between the components as previously described by virtue of which the functioning of the device 12 as hereinbefore indicated is accomplished. Consider for example that a winning game is played on the machine 10 so that the score switch device 42 is closed. A circuit is therefore closed which extends from the conductor 22 to the relay device 54 through line 104 and from the relay coil of device 54 to the conductor 106 through the normally closed switch 108 of the switch assembly 60. The conductor 106 is connected through the presently closed score switch 42 and lamp 48 to the return conductor 24. It will be also observed that the switch assembly 60 also includes normally closed switches 110 and 112 which are respectively connected by lines 114 and 116 to the score switches 44 and 46. It will therefore be apparent, that upon closing of the score switch 42 a selected circuit is closed through the relay device 54 and the lamp 48 so as to both indicate a winning signal through the lamp 48 and actuate the switch assembly 60. Actuation of the switch assembly 60 will open the switch devices 108, 110 and 112 and also close the switch device 118 and the switch contact 120. Current will accordingly continue to flow through the relay device 54 inasmuch as the conductor 122 therefrom will be connected through contact to the line 124 which is connected to the return conductor 24 by the terminal post 28. The circuit is therefore now conditioned for subsequent operation when the score card 16 is inserted within the device 12.

When the score card 16 is inserted, as hereinbefore indicated, an edge thereof contacts and closes the switch device 74 so as to close a circuit through the recording control relay device 56. The circuit through the relay 56 is provided by current through the line 104, through the closed switch 74 and line 126 to the relay coil of device 56 from which the current proceeds through the line 128 to the normally closed switch 130 of the switch assembly 62. The line 128 is therefore connected by the switch 130 to line 132 which in turn is connected by the closed contact 118 of the energized relay 54 to the line 124 connected to the return line 24 through the terminal post 28. It will therefore be apparent that the relay device 56 is energized when the card 16 closes the stamping switch device 74. It will be further apparent, that when the relay 56 is energized it closes the signal discharging switch assembly 64 so that closing of by-pass switch 134 may then connect the line 126 directly to the conductor 104 maintaining the relay 56 energized even if the switch device 74 should subsequently be opened prior to printing of the cards. The switch 136 on the other hand will then also connect the conductor 104 to the line 138 which is connected to the solenoid coil of the stamping device 66 and also to the solenoid coil 86 ofthe counter stamping device 72. The solenoid of the device 66 is also connected by conductor 140 to the closed switch 142 for connection to the conductor 144 which is connected to the terminal post 30 to which the closed signal switch 42 is connected. Also, the solenoid of the device 72 is connected by conductor 146 to the line 132 which in turn is connected through the closed switch contact 118 to the return line 24 by the line 124. Accordingly, parallel circuits are closed through the selected stamping devices 66 and 72 as well as through the relay devices 54 and 56. Energization of the stamping devices 66 and 72 is therefore accomplished in order to print upon the score card as indicated in FIGURE 2.

When the stamping device '72 reaches the end of its stroke, it closes the limit switch device 76 as hereinbefore described. Accordingly, a circuit is closed through the relay device 58 by virtue of the connection of the conductor 104 to the coil of the relay device 58 which in turn is connected to the conductor 148 extending to the switch 76 which when closed connects the conductor 148 to the lines 146 and 132 for return through the closed switch contact 118 to the conductor 24 through the line 124. Energization of the relay 58 therefore actuates the switch assembly 62 associated therewith so as to open the switch 142 as well as the switches 150 and 152 which are respectively connected by conductors 154 and 156 to the solenoids of the devices 68 and 70. Opening of the switch 142 will therefore open the circuit through the device 66 and opening of the switch contact 130 will open the circuit both to the relay 56 and to the stamping device 72. At the same time, actuation of the switch assembly 62 will close the relay holding switch contact 158 in order to maintain a closed circuit through the relay 58. The stamping devices will therefore be deenergized including the device 72 whereupon the switch 76 is opened restoring the circuit to its original signal receiving condition. Operation of the device with respect to the other stamping devices 63 and 70 and associated signal switches 44 and 46 will therefore also be apparent from the foregoing description.

Operation and utility of the score recording attachment device of the present invention will therefore be apparent from the foregoing description. It will therefore be appreciated that when a winning score is made on the game machine with which the present invention is associated, one of the score switches 42, 44, and 46 will be closed so as to provide a light signal through its associated lamp device. Also, the circuit conditioning relay device 54 will be energized so as to actuate the selector switch assembly 60 which maintains the relay 54 energized and provides the proper connections within the circuit for subsequent operation of the stamp control relay 56. Operation of the relay 56 is accomplished when a card is inserted within the slot 18 of the device 12 whereupon the stamp switch 74 is closed. Energization of the recording control relay 56 by closing of the switch 74 operates the signal discharge switch assembly 64 so as to maintain the relay 56 energized and also close the circuit through the selected stamping device 66, 68 or 76 and also through the counting stamp device 72. Energization of the stamping devices will accordingly stamp the score card and will be occasioned by the closing of the limit switch 76 by the counting stamp device 72 whereupon the restoring relay device 58 is energized so as to actuate the signal storing switch assembly 62 through which a single signal was stored, opening the circuit to the stamping devices and the recording stamp relay device 56. The deenergization of the stamping devices permits the limit switch 76 to open once again restoring the signal storing switch assembly 62 to its original signal receiving condition for storing a new winning game signal. The information recorded on the score card is therefore accomplished in a foolproof manner and with convenience and speed.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A score recording attachment for an amusement game machine or the like comprising, score recording means operative in. a signal receiving condition to store a scoring signal obtained each game played on the game machine for recording on a recording medium, counter means for maintaining a count of the games played on the game machine, score selector means operatively connected to the score recording means for rendering the score recording means operative to store said scoring signal from the game machine, insert control means operatively connected to the score recording means and counter means for actuating the score recording means in response to reception of said recording medium to record the score stored therein andyoperate the counter means, and means operatively connected to the counter means for restoring the score recording means to said signal receiving condition in response to operation of the counter means, whereby score values and a scoring signal count for a game machine may be maintained recorded on said recording medium.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said score recording means comprises a plurality of solenoid-actuated score printing devices, one of which is conditioned for operation by the score selector means.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said counter means comprises a solenoid-actuated count recording device actuated simultaneous with the score recording means.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said score selector means comprises a plurality of open circuits operatively connected to said score recording means for energization thereof, circuit conditioning relay means operatively connected to said open circuits to operatively condition a selected one of the open circuits in response to energization of the relay means by a scoring signal.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said insert control means comprises, recording control relay means operatively conditioned by the score selector means and energized in response to reception of the recording medium to close said one open circuit.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said means operatively connected to the counter means comprises limit switch means, restoring relay means energized in response to actuation of the limit switch means and operative to deenergize the recording control relay means and open said selected circuit.

7. The combination of claim 1, wherein said score selector means comprises a plurality of open circuits operatively connected to said score recording means for energization thereof, circuit conditioning relay means operatively connected to said open circuits to operatively condition a selected one of the open circuits in response to energization of the relay means by a scoring signal.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said insert control means comprises, recording control relay means operatively conditioned by the score selector means and energized in response to reception of the recording medium to close said selected circuit.

9. A score recording attachment for game machines or the like comprising, scoring signal circuit means rendered operative by a chance event, circuit conditioning relay means connected to said signal circuit means for energization thereby, circuit selecting switch means actuated by said circuit conditioning relay means to establish an event identifying signal corresponding to said chance event, insert switch means, recording control relay means energized by said signal in response to closing of said insert switch means, recorder switch means closed in response to energization of the recording control relay means, restoring relay means, restoring switch means actuated by the restoring relay means, solenoid actuated printer means operatively connected to the recorder switch means and restoring switch means for energization in response to closing of the recorder switch means to record said signal and deenergized by actuation of the restoring switch means terminating said signal, counter means actuated simultaneously with the printer means to maintain a cumulative count of signals and limit switch means operatively connected to the restoring relay means for energization thereof when actuated by the counter means.

10. A score recording attachment for a game machine or the like comprising, score selector means for receiving scoring signals from the game machine, printing means operatively conditioned by the selector means to store a single scoring signal, and signal discharge means responsive to reception of a score card after conditioning of the printing means to record thereon score value, game machine identification and scoring count.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,087,252 Muzzy Feb. 17, 1914 2,229,696 Engst Jan. 28, 1941 2,240,587 Torkelson May 6, 1941 2,340,634 Wiley Feb. 1, 1944 2,351,405 Cooper June 13, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS 836,113 Great Britain June 1, 1960 

10. A SCORE RECORDING ATTACHMENT FOR A GAME MACHINE OR THE LIKE COMPRISING, SCORE SELECTOR MEANS FOR RECEIVING SCORING SIGNALS FROM THE GAME MACHINE, PRINTING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONDITIONED BY THE SELECTOR MEANS TO STORE A SINGLE SCORING SIGNAL, AND SIGNAL DISCHARGE MEANS RESPONSIVE TO RECEPTION OF A SCORE CARD AFTER CONDITIONING OF THE PRINTING MEANS TO RECORD THEREON SCORE VALUE, GAME MACHINE IDENTIFICATION AND SCORING COUNT. 